David Moyes quits as Sunderland manager and wishes club well

Roy Kelly

David Moyes has sensationally resigned as manager of Sunderland - just a day after the Premier League season ended.

The Black Cats finished bottom of the table after winning just six of their 38 games in a disastrous campaign.

Former Everton, Manchester United and Real Sociedad boss Moyes took charge just last summer in the aftermath of the departure of Sam Allardyce for England.

There were no hints that the 54-year-old was going anywhere despite the events of the season.

Following the 5-1 hammering by Chelsea yesterday, Moyes had been speaking positively about chasing up transfer targets for next season's Championship campaign.

However, then came the bombshell that the Scot had resigned and agreed to leave the Stadium of Light with no compensation.

Moyes took the decision to stand down following a meeting with chairman Ellis Short and chief executive Martin Bain.

A statement from Short, published on the club's website, read: "I pursued the services of David Moyes for a considerable period prior to his appointment last summer, which makes the announcement of his departure difficult for everyone concerned.

"Having worked tirelessly throughout the campaign to avoid relegation from the Premier League, David has chosen to leave the club without compensation, which is testament to his character.

"In the days ahead we will take some time for reflection, and then focus on recruitment and pre-season as we prepare for our Championship campaign. We wish David well in the future."

Moyes built his reputation during an 11-year spell in charge of Everton but this is the fourth job he has left in the last four years.

He said: "I would like to thank Ellis Short and the board for giving me the opportunity to manage Sunderland and the fans for always being so passionately supportive of their club.

"I wish the players and my successor well in their efforts towards promotion back to the Premier League."